The skipper looks back on Blackburn Rovers, with special mentions given to Jonathan Spector, Anton Ferdinand, Dean Ashton and, of course, Freddie Sears. There is also praise for the fans whose "continued support does not go unnoticed"
It was nice to put a bad week behind us with not only an important win but a passionate performance. After three heavy defeats, the last team you want to be facing is a hard-working Blackburn Rovers. When you come up against them you know they are going to be well organised, fit and determined to make the game as difficult as possible.
After going a goal down I think the majority of people thought 'here we go again' but credit to the boys on the pitch who showed great character and mental toughness to stay strong and get ourselves back in the game. It would have been easy for everybody to drop their heads and it was made tougher by a small section of the crowd sarcastically singing 'We're going to lose 4-0', but we knew if we dug deep and stuck together we could turn the game around which is exactly what we did. There were a lot of solid performances and I think Dean Ashton in particular led the line superbly. Also Specs and Anton dealt with a tough Blackburn front line extremely well.
Obviously we have to mention the dream debut of young Freddie Sears. I think everyone involved with West Ham was delighted with the impact that Freddie had on the game, as players we were happy because he put us in the lead and has been working hard to get that opportunity. The management and coaches of both the first team and the youth team would have been proud to see a young lad not only taking his chance but taking it with such composure and maturity which is a compliment to all those who have been involved with his development. For the fans it was great that a local lad who had dreamed of playing for the team he supported not only made his debut but scored in front of friends, family and those that dream of being in the same position as him.
As a result of that win I hope a few more people are sharing the belief that the team can still qualify for Europe. Within the squad we still firmly believe it's achievable and a good performance and a positive result this weekend is vital to this. Goodison Park is a tough place to go and, with Everton fighting for fourth position, the game will be intense and hard-fought, Thank you in advance to all those travelling to support the Hammers, your continued support does not go unnoticed and will be needed like never before to help us to be successful this weekend.
Lucas Neill